Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin said that people's “hearts simply explode” when innocent children are killed. This came a day after a children's hospital in Kyiv was destroyed amid a wave of strikes by Russia. “Your Excellency, let's take war, any conflict or terrorist acts: any person who believes in humanity feels pain when people die, and especially when innocent children die. When we feel such pain, the heart simply explodes,” Modi said.
Stating that “no solution is possible on the battlefield”, Modi added, “I assure you and the world community that India is on the side of peace. Listening to you yesterday has given me hope. For new generations to have a bright future, peace is essential. Peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets.”
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi also Putin that India has faced the challenge of terrorism for around 40 years. “I condemn all forms of terrorism,” he said.
In a press conference after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said, “The deaths of innocents yesterday… the Prime Minister was very clear and categorical in expressing his concern and regret at the loss of these innocent lives, including, in particular, the children yesterday. He clearly said, roughly translated into English, that the solution to this conflict is not to be found on the battlefield and that it is possible only through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Appreciating India’s ties with Russia, Modi said, “When the world faced a shortage of food, fuel and fertilisers, we did not allow our farmers to face problems, and our ties with Russia played a role in it.”
